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MET conservation blueprints signed, cinematheque eyed in restoration
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on Wednesday shared the blueprints for the restoration of the Metropolitan Theater or The MET, signed by NCCA chair Felipe M. De Leon Jr.
The prints, known as the "Architectural and Detailed Engineering Design for the Rehabilitation and Conservation of the Manila Metropolitan Theater," will be the basis for the "first phase" of the restoration.
In an interview via phone call on Thursday, NCCA architectural assistant Louie Diaz told GMA News Online that the plans for the restoration are ready and the project will be awarded to the winning bidder early next year.
The first phase focuses on the facade and "refurbishing the central part." The addition of a cinematheque and a "Blackbox Theater" is included in the plans.
Diaz said that the main structure of the MET will be retained, but the rehabilitation will add other functional areas in addition to theater.
"Wala namang babaguhin sa main structure pero dadagdagan yung use. Ang general use pa rin ng MET ay theater, pero lalagyan din ng offices," he explained. "Magtatayo din ng Cinematheque and Blackbox Theater to (keep up) with modern necessities kasi medyo outdated na rin yung MET."
The next phases—"2A and 2B"—will cover the left and right wing of the MET.
Diaz clarified that the "master plan" for the entire area has not been approved, but phases 1, 2A, and 2B cover most of the restoration.
In May 2015, the government released P270 million for the NCCA to purchase the MET from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), so that the commission can begin the rehabilitation of the historic but neglected theater. A clean-up drive in December 2015 marked the start of the process. — BM, GMA News
